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by Tom Cutler, Contributing Editor Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 6:50:00 PM   | Abstract: | Few ERP packages recognize the requirements of the sector, which have much to do with compliance and the lot tracking demanded by various regulations. |
| Keywords: | Specialty chemicals, ERP, batch tracking, quality control, compliance reporting, production scheduling, MRP, lot control and tracking, laboratory and formulation, materials planning |
Addressing the needs of specialty chemical manufacturers is tricky. Few ERP (enterprise resource planning) solutions provide the kind of data tracking and audit trails that support compliance with governmental regulations. These prescribed manufacturing processes, material handling, and reporting functions are mandated within the specialty chemicals industry. Beyond compliance, ERP solutions that aim to meet the needs of chemical manufacturers must recognize both make-to-order and off-the-shelf products. Systems must manage formula and packaging revisions, guaranteeing control of the version in production as well as prior versions (to be recreated in the future). Quality control throughout a chemical manufacturing operation must also include purchase receipts and sales shipments and be available at any stage of production. [Click to continue] |